Despite winning their first Scudetto title in eleven years, Inter find themselves facing deep financial troubles, as clinging on to their winning dynasty will be a tough task.
Coach Antonio Conte ran away from trouble few days after winning the title, and was replaced by former Lazio manager, Simone Inzaghi.
The Nerazzurri have already replaced Christian Eriksen (whose career is in a major doubt following his horrifying heart attack at Euro 2020) with Hakan Calhanoglu, who arrived as a free agent following the expiry of his Milan contract.
Nonetheless, more business is expected to be conducted this summer, and here are five reasonable targets that we believe Guiseppe Marotta should work on during this transfer market.
Goalkeeper: Pierluigi Gollini (Atalanta)
Even though Samir Handanovic remains one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Italy, the Slovenian will celebrate his 37th birthday this month, and has already shown some signs of slowing down in the previous campaign.
For his part, the young Andrei Radu was never given a real chance by Conte, and it’s apparent that the club needs to find a more suitable replacement for the future.
Whilst Udinese’s Juan Musso was considered to be a target for Inter, he’s expected to finalize a transfer to Atalanta.
Therefore, it seems that Pierluigi Gollini no longer has future in Bergamo, and even though he would eventually act as a backup for Handanovic, he might be able to prove himself as his long-term replacement.
Juan #Musso (Udinese ask €25M) is #Atalanta’s first choice as new goalkeeper to replace Pierluigi #Gollini, who could leave this summer (#Lazio and #ASRoma interested in him). #transfers
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) June 16, 2021
Center Back: Nikola Maksimovic (Free Agent)
In Milan Skriniar, Stefan de Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni, the Beneamata possess arguably the best defensive trio in the league.
Last season, Conte was fortunate to have all three men available for the vast majority of the season, but at least one capable replacement should be on the bench.
At the moment, Danilo D’Ambrosio (originally a fullback) and the aging Andrea Ranocchia are the best two alternatives, which is why Inter need to add someone to their defensive department.
Following his disappointing stint at Napoli, Maksimovic would be eager to prove himself once more, and he’s already be available as a free agent.
West Ham have made an offer for Nikola Maksimovic according to Corriere Dello Sport journalist Antonio Giordano pic.twitter.com/DBuDlubJcW
— West Ham Central (@WestHam_Central) June 30, 2021
Right Wingback: Manuel Lazzari (Lazio)
Unfortunately for the Nerazzurri fans, Achraf Hakimi will be the sacrificial lamb who will help the club in balancing their books with a move to PSG worth around 70 million euros.
But on the plus side, Inter already have a ready-made replacement in the form of Manuel Lazzari, who already served under Inzaghi for two years.
The Italian is no longer wanted at Lazio as he doesn’t fit Maurizio Sarri’s four-man defense, but he’s undoubtedly one of the best wingbacks in Serie A, especially when going forward.
It has been reported that Lazio are said to want at least €25 million for Manuel Lazzari, whose contract in Rome is set to expire on June 30 2024
Lazzari is considered to be Inter’s top target to replace Hakimi. They are one of the front runners to sign him
[via @SempreIntercom pic.twitter.com/tzP54Qjy90— Jerry Mancini (@jmancini8) June 25, 2021
Left Wingback: Emerson Palmieri (Chelsea)
With the departure of Ashley Young and the doubts surrounding Ivan Perisic’s suitability to the role, Inter surely need an addition to their left flank.
Emerson has been a target for top Serie A clubs for quite some time now, but the latest reports indicate that the Italian champions are ahead of Napoli in the race.
The Italian international is defensively solid, and would add some balance to the side in the presence of the attacking-minded Lazzari.
Inter Lead Napoli In Race To Sign Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri, Italian Media Claims https://t.co/ybXkRQRXL9 via @NewsNowUK
— Lynn Hamer (@evilbluebird) June 30, 2021
Center Forward: Andrea Petagna (Napoli)
Inter possess one of the best striking pairs in the world in the form of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez, but the only decent replacement they have is the aging-version of Alexis Sanchez.
Therefore, the team needs another center forward who would be an upgrade on the forgotten Andrea Pinamonti.
For his part, Andrea Petagna won’t be able to cement himself a starting role in Inzaghi’s formation, but it would still be an improvement on his current Napoli status, as he’s considered to be a third option.
Agent Giuseppe Riso proposed Andrea Petagna to Inter during a meeting yesterday. However, Inter can’t afford a fee. Therefore the only possible idea is a swap involving Vecino and Gagliardini, who are appreciated by Spalletti. (@CalcioNapoli24)
— SSC Nap⚽️li News (@SSCNapoliNews_) June 23, 2021